overload U12 soccer drills

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Tic-Tac-Toe possession game with overload

A very fun game that combines problem-solving, decision-making, and attacking-defensive transitions. Highly appreciated by players and ideal for soccer schools!

Animation: Tic-Tac-Toe possession game with overload
Mark out a zone of approximately 20x25m with 2 small goals on each width. Outside this playing area, set up a tic-tac-toe grid using cones. Form 2 teams of 5 players and position yourself outside the area with a source of balls by your side. 

The exercise starts with a tic-tac-toe (using pinnies or colored cones). Each player must place a pinnie in the square of their choice. The first team to make a line of 3 (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal) will then gain a numerical advantage for the following opposition. As soon as the point is scored, 2 players from the winning team and 1 player from the losing team enter the playing area, resulting in a 2vs1. 

When a goal is scored, 1 player from each team enters the field to create a 3vs2. With the next goal, the same process leads to a 4vs3, then 5vs4, and finally ends with a 5vs5 in terms of the final opposition.

Count the number of goals scored for each team to establish a form of competition, then restart with the tic-tac-toe once the 5vs5 is completed. 

Note: if the intermediate oppositions (2vs1, 3vs2, etc.) are too long, you can add a time limit and bring in new players even if no team has scored.

The tic-tac-toe game adapted to soccer is a classic, and this variant with opposition is very popular with players!

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Overload

Discover our overload U12 drills

Possession game in two zones with 5v3 and 3 gates

Possession game in two zones with 5v3 and 3 gates

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15-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U12
Two teams each maintain possession in their own half and look to penetrate through one of the gates to switch of play, under pressure from a third team....
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15 min
4-20 joueurs
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2v2 game where the attacking team progresses zone by zone to eliminate two defenders positioned on different "levels" before finishing on mini-goals....
Possession game with support at the 4 corners

Possession game with support at the 4 corners

15 min
12-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
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Ball retention exercise with a numerical advantage, seeking support in the corners to validate passing sequences....
Rondo in 3+2 vs 3+2: managing the overload and quick transitions

Rondo in 3+2 vs 3+2: managing the overload and quick transitions

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U12
Ball possession and transition work in a balanced rondo, where each team seeks to exploit the temporary overload during the possession phase....
Movement off the ball, passes into space, and 1v1 duels

Movement off the ball, passes into space, and 1v1 duels

15 min
6-18 joueurs
Tactical
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In this drill, players will have the opportunity to work on various aspects such as getting open, off-the-ball runs, and proper timing of passes. It can be used in different age groups....
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Dynamic small-sided game in 2v1 on 3 mini goals

Dynamic small-sided game in 2v1 on 3 mini goals

20 min
6-12 joueurs
Small-sided games
U12
Small 2v1 duel game in a reduced space that emphasizes movement work, whether it's the defender's positioning or the runs of the 2 attacking players....
4v4 possession game with 2 support players per team

4v4 possession game with 2 support players per team

15 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U12
This drill, in the form of a small-sided 4v4 game with supporting players, will allow you to address concepts such as transition phases and focus upon losing possession....
Offensive combinations in 3v2 with defensive recovery

Offensive combinations in 3v2 with defensive recovery

15 min
9-18 joueurs
Tactical
U12
Very dynamic exercise to implement in training, which will allow your players to work on different situations in 3v2 then 3v3 with a defensive recovery by the 3rd player. Game awareness and quick decision-making will be the focus of this exercise....
4v3 back to goal with build-up play for the defenders

4v3 back to goal with build-up play for the defenders

15 min
8-16 joueurs
Tactical
U12
Ideal exercise for a soccer school, it will allow your players to work on playing with their back to the goal as well as build-up play in a 4v3 setup that is quite simple to implement....
Preventing the build-up play: high press and shooting in 2v1

Preventing the build-up play: high press and shooting in 2v1

12 min
10-16 joueurs
Tactical
U12
Thanks to a high press and shooting in 2v1 situations, this drill is ideal for blocking the opponent's build-up play. Make sure to enforce the instructions well to get the most out of your players....
4v4 Possession Game with Central Square

4v4 Possession Game with Central Square

15 min
9-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U12
Ideal exercise for youth soccer with a small-sided 4v4 game, a central neutral player, and a variation with 2 mini-goals to offer a coherent progression to your players....
Double 2v1 following a passing sequence (variation)

Double 2v1 following a passing sequence (variation)

15 min
8-20 joueurs
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U12
Creative exercise allowing you to work on attacking-defensive transitions with a double 2v1 and a combination of passes. Use the suggested variations to make the exercise closer to real match conditions....
Combination and shooting in front of the goal followed by a 2v2

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15 min
12-18 joueurs
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U12
Exercise to work on attacking combinations and the final action in front of the goal. The sequence ends with a 2v2 duel, progressing to a 3v2 situation with a numerical advantage....
Rondo in 4v2 and pressing with a numerical disadvantage

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20 min
8-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
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4v2 possession drill with pressing and zone changes. You can develop the exercise with small goals and by limiting touches on the ball....
Tic-Tac-Toe possession game with overload

Tic-Tac-Toe possession game with overload

20 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U12
A very fun game that combines problem-solving, decision-making, and attacking-defensive transitions. Highly appreciated by players and ideal for soccer schools!...
Small-sided game in numerical disadvantage

Small-sided game in numerical disadvantage

15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U12
Small-sided game ideal for your players to work on transitions in numerical advantage/disadvantage and implement your guidance independently....
Offensive Combinations in 2v1 on Opposite Goals

Offensive Combinations in 2v1 on Opposite Goals

15 min
8-24 joueurs
Tactical
U12
This high-intensity drill will allow your players to work on attacking sequences while emphasizing the importance of decision-making during the defensive phase....
Sequence of small-sided games in 1v1, 2v1, 2v2, then 3v2

Sequence of small-sided games in 1v1, 2v1, 2v2, then 3v2

15 min
8-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
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High-energy small-sided game with lots of changes in pace, this drill is perfect for working on attacking and defensive transitions and concentration. Your players will definitely love it!...

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